If you’re looking for health insurance, then be sure you do your research before choosing a plan that may not ultimately be right for you. Here are a few things you may want to consider.

Don’t buy policies that exclude pre-existing conditions.

If at all possible, avoid policies with any pre-existing conditions. If you can’t locate one without any waiting period, at least get one with no more than a six-month period.

By 2014, however, when health insurance reform fully kicks in, health insurance companies will no longer be able to refuse insurance to someone because of a pre-existing condition.

Think twice before buying ‘supplemental’ insurance.

Many supplementary policies are not needed because the items they pay for may already be covered under your existing health insurance plan. Check to make sure that the limits for hospitalization and treatment on your main health policy seem high enough. If they don’t, shop for another policy.

Enroll in a group plan.

Individual health insurance can be extremely costly for the self-employed. By joining a small-business association, you may have the opportunity to enroll in a group health insurance plan and save money through the power of larger numbers.